Re-using Wrapping Paper

Christmas is over and I hope that you saved some of that wrapping paper! As long as it isn't torn apart by an over-excited child receiving a Wii, it is often in good enough condition to be re-used on a gift. This can save you on more wrapping paper purchases next year.


Another idea is forgoing the store-bought wrapping paper and using recycled materials. I use newspaper, but for those who find this a bit tacky, old maps suit the purpose quite handsomely and give gifts a bit of a designer feel. At Queen's you can pick up maps in the basement of Stauffer near the map library as a stream of maps are always taken out of circulation. Not only do these make excellent wrapping paper, but can be used to decorate student housing. Some are even well-suited to framing as the framed heraldric crests of England map in my brother's room attests.